“There’s already a great deal of health inequality in our society brought about by poverty so you need to reflect that in the funding formula and this Government doesn’t,” Corbyn said.

“It’s managed to find £300million more for English shire counties which are, generally speaking, not the worst off places, whilst forcing massive cuts on every big city which is dealing with social problems.”

The initiative aims to boost the economy by improving transport links between Manchester, Leeds, Hull and Sheffield.

“I welcome that,” said Corbyn on investing in the region’s transport.

“It’s a bit late coming but there has to be much stronger infrastructure otherwise we won’t get the economic development we want.

“Reindustrialisation comes from investment in infrastructure to ensure that goods made can be transported in and out.

“It’s also about investment and supporting innovative industries.”

The Labour leader, on a two day visit to the city from Thursday to Friday, was given a tour of the University of Salford’s Energy House.

The purpose-built terraced house is the only full scale brick-built test facility in a controlled environment in the world.

Researchers can replicate outdoor conditions such as rain, wind and snow at the building.

“The problem in Britain is its very hard to get funding to expand those businesses.

“The banks often don’t want to know, the green energy bank is being privatised at the present time.

“Our proposal is that we have an national investment bank run on regional lines that will support that and make sure that we develop the manufacturing capacity of a high skill economy all across the UK.”

Video of Jeremy Corbyn Interview

Video by MM reporter Adam Leah.

Image courtesy of Garry Knight, via Flickr, with thanks.

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